For better or worse, Brad’s Status, speaks from a very insulated and ostentatious point of view, that of the taboo term of “white privilege.” Even dramatized for soft realistic fiction, Mike White’s feature directorial debut tries to be a wakeup call of sorts. The dramedy carries a message, a fair and good one mind you, but one that will, unfortunately, fall on multiple deaf ears.
Read MoreMixing romance with science fiction always seems to be a dodgy proposition of preposterousness. The emotionality of love is not something readily explained by science, unless some smarty pants cites neurotransmitters, adrenaline, dopamine, and serotonin. The marketing and publicity push of “Passengers,” starring the hot ticket names of Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence, want you believe that you’re stepping into “Titanic in Space.” Hey now, come out of hyperdrive or drop out of warp speed (your choice, fellow geeks) and pump your space brakes! The only apt comparison between “Passengers” and “Titanic” is the metaphorical sinking.
Read MoreThe prose and tasteful passion captured by the classic writers then put the tawdry and repetitive theatrics of today's writers to shame. In that same regard, so too do solid film adaptations that tap the proper classic roots. "Far from the Madding Crowd" is a stellar example of this. Permeating with possibilities and charged with the right measure of passion in every engrossing layer, Danish director Thomas Vinterberg's film stands head and shoulders above the feeble likes of today's lesser efforts of cinematic literary romance. It's cliche to say, but they don't make them like they used to and this film proves it.
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